New Delhi, Nov 17 (PTI) India's exports contracted 11.8 per cent to USD 34.38 billion in October, showed government data released on Monday.

Imports jumped 16.63 per cent to USD 76.06 billion.

The country's trade deficit stood at USD 41.68 billion during the reporting month.

Imports surged due to increased shipments of gold and silver.

Gold imports jumped to USD 14.72 bn in the last month against USD 4.92 bn recorded in the same month last year.

The country's exports to the United States declined to USD 6.3 bn in October as against USD 6.9 bn registered in the year-ago month, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told reporters here.

During April-October this fiscal, exports increased marginally by 0.63 per cent to USD 254.25 billion. At the same time, imports rose 6.37 per cent to USD 451.08 billion, the commerce ministry data showed. PTI RR HVA

India trade: exports fall 11.8%, imports rise 16.6%, October trade deficit widens to $41.68bn due largely to gold imports. Merchandise exports fell 11.8% in October to USD 34.38 billion while imports rose 16.63% to USD 76.06 billion, producing a monthly trade deficit of USD 41.68 billion driven substantially by higher gold and silver shipments; exports to the United States declined in the month, and year to date (April-October) exports were up 0.63% to USD 254.25 billion while imports increased 6.37% to USD 451.08 billion.